Philippines should face up to reality, give up illusions, and act responsibly

Despite the outcry by Manila to the contrary — and the biased and politically motivated support it has received to give credence to its rumpus — China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters in the South China Sea.

Beijing has thus once again urged the Philippines to give up its illusions and stop stirring up trouble, as its current course of action in staging one provocative stunt after another is only leading it toward dangerous ground.

For the sake of peace in the waters and because it bears the bigger picture of ties in mind, Beijing has so far shown great restraint in the face of Manila's provocative moves. But with Manila giving no indication that it is going to put an end to its claim-jumping showboating anytime soon, Beijing's patience is naturally wearing increasingly thin.